Catholic Church in Portugal is set to compensate sexual abuse victims with a payment of €1.6 million

The Catholic Church in Portugal will compensate 57 victims of clergy sexual abuse with €1.6 million, expressing regret while providing reparations.

On Thursday, Portugal’s Catholic Church confirmed it will provide a total of €1.6 million ($1.85 million) in compensation to 57 victims of sexual abuse by clergy.

The decision comes after a 2023 investigation conducted by a Church-funded commission, revealing that at least 4,815 children and vulnerable adults in Portugal have been sexually abused by Catholic clergy—predominantly priests—over the last 70 years.

The Portuguese Bishops’ Conference (CEP) stated, “Financial compensation does not erase what happened or undo the consequences of abuse in the lives of those affected… We renew our apology for all the harm caused.”

Throughout the submission period, there were 95 requests for compensation. Out of these, 67 were considered eligible, whereas the others were dismissed for not meeting the necessary requirements or for failing to attend the commission.

A total of 57 approved claims will be awarded payments between €9,000 and €45,000 for each individual. The CEP stated that nine additional claims are currently under review to ascertain the compensation amount.

The announcement signifies progress in recognizing the extent of the abuse and offering reparations to victims, although Church officials stressed that financial compensation cannot entirely remedy the enduring effects of the abuses.